Somerset residents have reacted sharply after the police announced a crackdown on people using mobile phones while driving.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary announced via its official Facebook page that it would be "carrying out targeted checks" across its enforcement area on Thursday (January 25) to stop people using their phones once at the wheel.

The post stated that anyone who is found doing so could face six points on their license and a £200 fine, or even a spell of jail time.

The campaign is being promoted on social media using the hashtag #DontRiskIt.

The post, which has been shared more than 2,000 times, has drawn hundreds of responses from social media users.

Some have welcomed the crackdown, pointing out (anonymous) examples of people already flouting the law.

One said: "Glad you'll be out and about on the lookout for people using their phones. It's just a shame you do have to police it instead of people using common sense and realising how dangerous it can be."

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Another added: "Please focus on the white vans and HGVs who blatantly commit this crime habitually! I am not defending car drivers, be clear, but when you are a professional driver you deserve to lose your job."

Jeff Date opined: "Yes, throw the book at them and phones being used in the workplace - these gadgets suck the life out of people".

Others, however, have been less praising or sympathetic.

One commenter said: "Does that include your own officers who frequently use their phones while driving?"

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Another responded: "Schoolboy error... you've just let all the losers who use mobile phones whilst driving what you're up to."

And another queried: "When is your week of targeting cyclists that break the rules of the road?"

The police have also posted a video for motorists, offering tips to prevent their phone going off needlessly on journeys and thereby distracting them on the road.

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